Mark Elliot

Published Jul 21 2015 01:01 PM EDT

weather.com

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Mark Elliot was born in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. For as long as he can remember, he has known that he wanted to be a Meteorologist. He was told that while growing up, he used to give his friends weather forecasts in the sandbox.

He credits a few big storms that knocked down trees outside his house when he was very young as sparking his interest in weather. This interest grew as he watched his dad fly into different locations across the country experiencing destructive weather as his job involved emergency preparedness for hospital systems. Mark wanted to know what he was getting himself into.

Being a self proclaimed weather geek, Mark got outside to enjoy the weather whenever possible. He's constantly staring up at the clouds and loves to take photos, weather themed or otherwise. He can talk beer for hours, and can even show you how to derive the thermodynamic properties of the bubbles as they rise in the glass... see, weather geek.

You can always find him watching Rutgers Football games, and cheering on the Scarlet Knights whenever possible... Hoo-Rah Hoo-Rah, Rutgers Rah! Besides, you have to love the attitude that comes with being one of the few schools in history to TURN DOWN talks regarding an invitation to the Ivy League in order to keep the Land Grant/State University status.

B.S in Meteorology, Rutgers University

B.S in Environmental Science (Physics)

Rutgers University

M.S in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences

The Georgia Institute of Technology

Full Name:

Mark Elliot

Hometown:

Berkeley Heights, NJ

University/College:

Rutgers University: Double Major in Meteorology and Atmospheric Science Physics

Georgia Institute of Technology: Masters of Science in Atmospheric Sciences

How did you decide you wanted to become a meteorologist?

There were a couple of major storms that moved through when I was young.... I remember watching the winds knock down a large tree in my yard. My dad was also involved in response to natural disasters for the VA Hospital System so I wanted to know what he was getting himself into.

What is your Favorite season?

I love Summer for the outdoor activities... but Fall is great too for the best pumpkin food, coffee, and beer.

What is your Most embarrassing moment on-air?

I'm not sure I have one... but i'm sure it will happen before too long.

What is your favorite part about your job?

Working with some of the best minds in the field of meteorology and being able to have in depth discussions about the science.

What is your favorite color?

Blue

Whats your Favorite holiday?

Thanksgiving

Do you have any pets?

I have two wonderful shelter dogs.

Any Secret talents?

I used to do a lot of theater including musicals.

Why do you think #ItsAmazingOutThere?

I think #ItsAmazingOutThere because powerful, beautiful, dangerous, destructive, and stunning can all be used to describe the same weather... and that weather will change every day.